The Barley Room is a watering hole in the far Northeast Heights that fills patrons up with live music, lots of libations and a surprisingly ample menu. Snack on bar-friendly fried things (say yes to the sweet potato fries!), or have a proper meal with burgers, salads, pasta, New Mexican dishes, and a few grilled meat and fish entrées. There’s a palpable sports bar feel to the place, but a diverse clientele keeps this bar/grill comfortable for just about everyone. The kitchen stays open until midnight every night; go ahead and linger.

Il Vicino’s thin-crusted, gourmet-topped pizzas are perennial favorites among readers, but the house-brewed beers are equally popular. Order at the register and a server brings the food to your table, making weekday lunches speedy. The open kitchen gives you something to stare at while you wait. Stop in for a quick lunch or a late afternoon microbrew at one of the patio tables.

Right next to a Pizza Hut, this is a busy little neighborhood joint filled with locals. The drinks are good, the people are friendly, and it’s even been said that Billy’s Pub is Albuquerque’s own “Cheers.” So sit down, order a whiskey and get ready to shoot the shit with the regulars.

Enter this cavern ... erm, we mean tavern ... and get ready to relax the old fashioned way: drink alcohol and throw around sharp, pointy objects. With refreshing brews, pool, darts and bangin’ live music from local groups like the Memphis P Tails, this the coolest dive with an underground feel.

Have an award-winning beer or three and wobble on over to whatever food truck is there (which you can find on their website). While the trucks stay until about 9pm, Marble is open ‘til midnight every night except Sunday. Listen to some live bands every Saturday night or grab a growler, six-pack or keg to go if you want to avoid the loyal following this Albuquerque favorite has gathered.

O'Niell's is comforting, a little cheeky and unapologetically Irish-American. The Juan Tabo location offers a gigantic patio and more floor space, but still features old favorites like the Burger in Paradise and fish and chips. And there’s plenty of live music at both locations. Build-your-own Mimosas make O’Niell’s a unique place to brunch.